Effective protection from gamma emissions with lead shielding has obvious practical disadvantages - but this lead containing acrylic copolymer resin material may change that
Radioactive compounds have been used in research laboratories for many years and the results of this research in benefiting mankind are well documented.
For example, in life science research radioactive compounds are used in the detection of nucleic acids and proteins, in addition to other techniques, such as radioimmunoassay and tracers in metabolic studies.
However, with the benefits come the dangers, and protecting operators from the potentially harmful beta and gamma emitting isotopes associated with radioactive compounds is of paramount importance.
To meet the needs of providing practical and effective protection from both gamma and beta emissions, Scie-Plas has developed an extensive range of shielding products.
Protection against beta emissions of 32P, 35S, 3H and 14C, is achieved by using 10mm thick optical arcylic, the standard material for shielding beta emissions in biological research.
Effective protection from more harmful gamma emissions, such as 125l, 133Xe, 75Co, 99mTe has, until recently, been achieved by using lead shielding with the obvious practical disadvantages that lead is too heavy and non-transparent.
However, thanks to the application of a new lead containing acrylic copolymer resin material, a range of shielding products which provide practical and effective protection against harmful gamma emissions, are now available from Scie-Plas.
This lead acrylic material is transparent with a very light brown tint and exhibits virtually all the normal chemical and physical properties of conventional acrylic resin.
The lead content of the resin is 30% wt/wt and is chemically introduced into the acrylic resin as an organolead salt.
The gamma shielding products use 12mm thick lead acrylic, which is equivalent to 0.5mm thick lead and this effectively attenuates gamma emissions from 125l and any gamma emitters of lesser energy.
However, these grade of shields are not suitable for use with more energetic isotopes of iodine, so a 35mm thick shield (equivalent to 1.7mm thick lead) is available, providing attenuation of emissions from isotopes of higher energy.
The range of Scie-Plas protection products is extensive and includes beta and gamma; shields, boxes, disposal bins, cabinets, safety trays, bags and accessories.
Shields available include fixed angle for standing and sitting positions, adjustable angle, curved base for use with safety trays, hourglass shields for easy access and three sided shields for all-round protection.
Scie-Plas also offer a custom-build facility in both beta, gamma or duo blocking material to suit your specific requirements.
